Country Profile: Anguilla
Anguilla is a small island located in the Caribbean, positioned between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of Puerto Rico. It covers an area of 91 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 19,416 people, primarily concentrated in the capital, The Valley. The economy is heavily reliant on tourism, which has been recovering from the impacts of COVID-19, alongside potential oil refinery operations. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, Anguilla remains a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom.
Geography
Anguilla is characterized by its flat and low-lying terrain, predominantly made of coral and limestone, with the highest point reaching only 73 meters at Crocus Hill. The island's climate is tropical, moderated by northeast trade winds, which contribute to its vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms from July to October. With no land boundaries, Anguilla has a coastline of 61 kilometers and has maritime claims extending to 200 nautical miles for its exclusive economic zone.
- 91 sq km: Total area of Anguilla.
- 61 km: Length of the coastline.
- 73 m: Elevation of the highest point (Crocus Hill).
- 0%: Proportion of agricultural land (2022 estimate).
People and Society
The population of Anguilla is estimated at 19,416 in 2024, with a gender breakdown of 9,107 males and 10,309 females. The society is diverse, primarily consisting of 85.3% African/Black descent and predominantly speaks English. The island has a high urbanization rate of 100%, reflecting the concentration of its inhabitants in urban areas, especially The Valley. Life expectancy is reported at 82.6 years, indicating a generally healthy populace.
- 100%: Urban population (2023).
- 20.8%: Proportion of the population aged 0-14 years (2024).
- 1.51: Physicians per 1,000 population (2018).
- 11.69 births: Birth rate per 1,000 population (2025).
Economy
Anguilla's economy is small and heavily reliant on tourism, facing challenges from public debt and the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 2024, the real GDP (purchasing power parity) is estimated at $362.499 million, translating to a real GDP per capita of $31,000. The economy is beginning to recover through tourism, supported by timeshare residences, while also considering a potential reopening of an oil refinery.
- $362.499 million: Real GDP (PPP) in 2024.
- $31,000: Real GDP per capita in 2024.
- 3%: Inflation rate in 2022.
- 100%: Electricity access among the population (2020).
Government
Anguilla operates as a parliamentary democracy and is a self-governing overseas territory of the UK. The governance structure features a House of Assembly with 11 members and an executive led by a Premier. The territory's legal system is based on English common law, and residents have universal suffrage at age 18. The current Governor is Julia Crouch, appointed by the British monarch, and the Premier is Cora Richardson-Hodge.
- 11: Seats in the House of Assembly.
- 18 years: Minimum voting age for suffrage.
- 7: Seats won by the Anguilla Progressive Movement in the latest election.
Energy
Anguilla has achieved full electrification, with 100% of its population having access to electricity as of 2020. This contributes to the overall quality of life and supports economic activities, particularly in the tourism sector.
Environment
The island faces environmental challenges, particularly in water access as potable water supplies are inadequate. Despite this, over 61% of Anguilla's land is forested, providing a natural buffer against environmental degradation.
Transportation
Anguilla has one airport serving civil aviation and a small merchant marine fleet. Transportation on the island largely supports tourism and local business needs.
- 1: Operational airport as of 2025.
- 2: Total of merchant marine vessels in 2023.
Communications
The communications sector in Anguilla includes both fixed and mobile telephony, with high internet penetration among the population. As of 2021, around 81.6% of the population are internet users, facilitated by a stable telecommunications infrastructure.
- 25,870: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022).
- 6,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2021).
- 81.6%: Internet usage rate (2021).
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,416 (2024 est.) | |
| Area | 91 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $362.499 million | 2024 estimate |
| Real GDP per capita | $31,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Birth rate | 11.69 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 82.6 years | 2024 estimate |
| Population growth rate | 1.71% | 2025 estimate |
| Electricity access | 100% | As of 2020 |
| Urban population | 100% | As of 2023 |
| Physician density | 1.51 | Per 1,000 population (2018) |
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